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Your Mind and Media Manipulation—How to Protect Yourself

Your Mind and Media Manipulation—How to Protect Yourself

One of our goals at Come and Reason Ministries is to help you develop your own God-given ability to think, reason, and discern—to learn how to differentiate the true from the false. We want to help every human being to become mature individuals who, by constant use of their thinking and reasoning abilities to weigh through issues, “have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil” (Hebrews 5:14 NIV84).

Every day, we are presented with opportunities to practice thinking, reasoning, and discerning.

This week (June 7, 2021), I received an email from the American Psychiatric Association News with the following headline dated June 4, 2021:

“Medical Students Often Perceive Lack of Respect for Diversity Among Faculty”

What are your thoughts about this headline? What message is it sending? What is the core idea it triggers in you? Does it suggest that there is a genuine problem with biased and insensitive faculty at medical schools? Or at least that most medical students perceive a lack of respect from their faculty?

Does the headline suggest that society must be terribly prejudiced if even trusted medical school faculty struggle to show respect to diverse students under their tutelage? Does it make you feel bad, sad, or threatened? Does it confirm a sense of victimhood—how the system just doesn’t get you or your friends and isn’t fair?

A Headline vs. the Reality

I decided to check out the article and dig into the actual evidence and basis for the headline. I was saddened but, given the way the media is manipulating society, not at all surprised to discover that in a survey of more than 28,000 medical students, only 17.7 percent felt that their faculty were disrespectful to diverse individuals. Yet the headline states this is “often” the case, and the article starts out by saying “nearly 18% of graduating medical students” feel this way.

Notice the way the facts (data) were presented. They were presented in such a way as to heighten the sense of disrespect—that is, to magnify the alleged problem. The article could have said, “82.3% of students did not experience feelings that their faculty lacked respect for diverse groups”—or “82.3%, the vast majority of students, experienced their faculty demonstrating positive role modeling by demonstrating respect and support for diverse people and groups.”

What do you think when the findings mean that 82.3% of the students don’t experience faculty being disrespectful to diverse individuals yet the data is presented as this is “often” the case?

Lest you think that the medical students are not themselves diverse, here are the stats on who makes up the recent medical students:

  • 50.5% Female
  • 54.6% White
  • 21.6% Asian
  • 8.0% Multi-racial
  • 6.2% African-American
  • 9.6% all others (American Indian, Islander, Unknown, non-US citizen)

Closely examining this article exposes the powerful mind manipulation happening in society today: data twisted and presented to magnify or promote problems that the vast majority of people do not experience.

There are facts—and there are interpretations of facts. Interpretations are not facts—they are merely the views, opinions, beliefs, and perspectives of whomever is advancing the viewpoint. The interpretations in this article provide eye-opening insight into the biases, prejudices and agenda of the one writing.

Jesus said, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34 NKJV). People reveal their own views and ideas by what they say and do. That’s why we need to have the discernment to differentiate what is being said in the news reports versus what’s actually happening. Is the media outlet giving us facts—or is it giving us an opinion, a biased perspective, or outright propaganda? (If you would like to read more about propaganda, read our blog on the power of lies).

Does the fact that 17.7% of students perceive a lack of respect from faculty toward diverse groups mean that there is an actual lack of respect, or could it also mean that 17.7% of the students have a perception problem, that they have their own biases, prejudices, and distortions—that they may be interpreting innocuous events, actions, and comments in ways that they assign disrespect even though none actually exist? Or could it be a combination of both? The article doesn’t ask these questions nor pursue the answers—but why? Instead, it appears that the authors are determined to lean in the direction of assuming that the problem is with the faculty, who need to improve their role modeling:

“Further studies are needed to assess the mediators of students’ perceptions of faculty respect for diversity and how these perceptions may more directly impact student well-being as well as to identify optimal interventions to improve role modeling of respect for diversity among faculty.”

According to the article, the optimal interventions need to be directed at the faculty. However, while I support each of us constantly doing our own introspection, seeking to identify where we need to grow to be more like Jesus in character—to love, respect, and seek the welfare of all people regardless of their differences from us—could it be that the optimal interventions in this case need to be directed at the media, the messaging, the educational systems, and the students, to present facts without spin, to teach critical reasoning skills, to allow for mature and open dialogue of various possible meanings?

Our goal at Come and Reason Ministries is not to tell you what to think, but to help you develop your own God-given reasoning ability so you can discern issues for yourself. Strength comes by exertion. So if you want stronger critical-reasoning ability, stop believing everything you hear in the news and start examining the evidences for yourself, comparing them with God’s Word, the design laws of our Creator, and how reality actually works to come to your own conclusions.

 

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Testimony 44

We were given a gift of the DVD set, “God and Your Brain,” and we just finished watching it. The truths in this are so powerful and truly an answer to a prayer. We’re seeing hope where once we thought God wasn’t answering our prayers to be free of certain mindsets. He answered with these DVDs and we are hungry for more. Thank you!

Daniel T., Easley, SC, USA

 

Testimony 56

I cannot thank you enough for opening my understanding to the beautiful truth of God’s Law of Love and how it applies to everything. I have been a Christian for over forty years, but I feel like I am only now seeing with my eyes open. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

Tammy Cinzio, Australia

 

Testimony 31

It was very touching to hear the testimony of your class share how viewing God’s true character has changed their lives. My feelings are the same – there is so much freedom in knowing that God LOVES me – regardless of my… just, REGARDLESS! I’m still blown away by the true gospel, the fact that God is not ready to strike us when we fail. He is not arbitrary. He simply loves us and warns of the natural consequences because He can’t stand to see us suffer. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS GOD!!!

Ceil V.,  UT, USA

 

Testimony 62

I would like to express my thanks to the C&R team for creating a platform from which people can learn to trust in God and grow. My life is a witness to the effectiveness of this ministry. Without believing the truth about God as you have shown, I don’t know what my life would be like. I had given up on God helping me with certain sins – it was all useless. Given that the scripture is clear and God is so good, how could I have betrayed him so many times? I was a yo-yo christian; spinning up and down. My faith and enthusiasm was driven by discoveries/threats that prophecy is about to be fulfilled. But when I watched your “Healing the Mind” seminar, it was like a light finally went on. I could see God had no plan to hurt me, the danger came from sin, and that He is working to protect me and strengthen me. Thank you for allowing God to use you. The message God gave C&R saved my life!

Antony N. – Hobart, Australia

 

Testimony 60

Just watched watched lesson 10 in the 1st quarter 2021 bible study classs on Isaiah. I want to thank you for your intellectual spirituality; it’s not an oxymoron! From the point of view of a teacher I also enjoy seeing how much personal pleasure you clearly take in not just tasting, but feasting on God’s word – it reminds me of Jeremiah not being able to hold it in! It makes me smile that your cup is so full and overflowing that you make it to Tuesday’s lesson (on a good day). It just goes to show the richness of God’s Word.

God bless the Come and Reason Team from our church here in Great Britain.

Andrew H., Great Britain

 

Testimony 2

I continue to enjoy your lessons every week. The more that I research your conclusions, the more I am convinced that the Holy Spirit has lead you to distill out the essence of human redemption. Thank you for your courageous stand for the truth.

S. G., TX, USA

 

Testimony 66

I am incredibly grateful for the transformative impact you’ve had on my life, and words cannot fully express my appreciation. Over the years, I have been an avid listener and follower of C&R and extend my heartfelt thanks for creating the C&R mobile app. It has allowed me to immerse myself in your lessons repeatedly, enabling me to grasp the profound significance about the Character of God, Design Law, the protocols for life, the reasons behind the current chaos, and Christ’s mission to restore everything. They have deeply touched me. Having studied with various churches, I came away with the perception that God is no different from the deities of ancient Greek or Roman mythology—demanding sacrifices and taking pleasure in bloodshed. Thanks to your transformative teachings, I have experienced a profound awakening to the true nature of God and the immense power of His love. It is truly a remarkable and liberating sensation to finally grasp the truth and embrace the empowering nature of God’s laws. My self-perception has become brighter and more infused with love. My journey of growth continues on a daily basis.

Chris P., Lake Mary, FL, USA

 

Testimony 15

I have been sharing Come And Reason Ministries Bible study lessons with several folk. You have such a beautiful view of the plan of salvation. If we had this message preached when I was young, my generation would still all be in church.

H. R., New Zealand

Testimony 52

Your unique way in spreading the truth is what we all need today. Most of us don’t recognize the contamination coming from all the lies and selfishness in the world. Because of our fear of death, we forgot how to live. Lies left and right. I was losing hope and faith, because of so many ideas that are always contradicting each other – so many questions answered by other, more complicated, questions – until I found your channel on YouTube.

You did not just give me answers, you also taught me how to answer new questions that arise in my mind. Now I see things differently. I see God’s mercy, grace, and Love everywhere, in spite of all the chaos that we all have done as humans. I don’t fear death anymore. Accepting the Truth and Love about God is truly a genuine Freedom from all the confusions, sufferings, selfishness, pain, and death.

I just wanted to say, thank you, sooooo much for revealing the real Remedy for our infected life. I have a new hope and now see the world in a different perspective!

Wheinny P., University Place, WA, USA

 

Testimony 65

I have been tuning into your weekly study classes for a while now and wanted express my appreciation for the teachings that ha been a huge blessing in opening up the true message of the word. Viewing scripture under an imposed law theory always, without fail, raised more questions, concerns, and conflicting scripture interpretations that were discouraging at the very least. Looking at scripture through the design law lens has brought more truth to light for me personally and an understanding of our Heavenly Father that places Him “above all others,” where I am now more than thrilled to witness and serve Him.  I “stumbled” across this ministry a year or so ago and would only watch a few minutes at a time. But the more I listened and the longer I paid attention, the more my spiritual eyes were opened to the ever present truths of scripture. The comprehension of the great controversy and it’s origin by the lies perpetrated and perpetuated throughout the Bible on the attack of God’s character and government is truly priceless. Keep up the Good Work! Your servanthood is desperately needed in such a time as this!

Jeff D., Reading, MA, USA

 

Testimony 67

I was introduced to Come And Reason by a friend of my mother-in-law, who gave me several CD’s of Dr. Jennings. The clarity of the message and recognition that God’s is a God of love was so clear, advancing beyond Dr. Maxwell’s message. However, grappled with Maxwell saying God used emergency measures for the fallen world. Now after several years of being a regular listener of the Come And Reasoning bible study class and attending Jennings’ meetings in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX, things are becoming clearer for me. Design law versus imposed law has added so much to my personal understanding of theology. This message has really impacted my work in counseling so many people miserable because they are searching for and trusting human governments to create order and peace or believing in a God who says love Me or I will kill you. I am grateful that I have an alternative view to offer my clients that makes sense. I teach a bible study class on a semi-regular basis and I value the materials that Come And Reason so freely offers to aid me in presenting this vital message. Thank you for continuing to provide advancement in our very limited understanding of a Infinite God that is rational and believable.

Dr. Roger D, Arlington, TX, USA

 

Testimony 12

I have been really blessed reading your response to the various questions on your site.

K.C., OH, USA

 

Testimony 64

I’ve been reading the bible and walking with Jesus since I was around 16. I’m 42 now. I’ve mostly been alone in my walk although I went to several churches in different denominations. For the past 3 years God has been showing me His character of agape. It’s been a blessing and changed how I view God and my walk with Jesus. About a year ago I came across the power of love and the principles of design law. These teachings changed how I read scripture and have been such a beautiful blessing. I’m very excited and grateful for these truths. We share these truths of agape, design law and the reality of the principles of the two trees in the garden of Eden with people on Facebook and YouTube. People all over are learning to trust God and His agape design law which makes life possible. Thank you for everything you shared with me. May God continue to bless your ministry and lives.

Bradley M., Hinsdale, NY, USA

 

Testimony 23

I would just like to add my voice to the many people who, I believe, must have contacted you to express their appreciation for the “Healing the Mind” DVDs. I’ve been listening to your Bible study class discussions for many years and I’ve been personally blessed by your research and teaching about the character of God.

L. G., Oakland, MI, USA

 

Testimony 4

I’m a youth leader in South Africa. We as a youth group are currently using a lot of the material on the Come and Reason site. Since we’ve started using the material, our youth group has grown.

R. V. N., South Africa